US Raises Travel Warning for Popular Beach Location

The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius, has issued a Level 2 travel warning to Americans planning to visit the country, urging them to “exercise increased caution,” due to rising concerns over crime against foreigners—ranging from petty theft to more serious violent assaults—according to the advisory, posted by the embassy on Tuesday. 

Why It Matters

Mauritius, renowned for its beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts, is a popular destination for American tourists located . The advisory places the country under the same cautionary level as other tourist hotspots recently flagged by the U.S. Department of State, such as the Maldives. A Level 2 travel advisory is just one step behind a Level 3 advisory, which urges travelers to reconsider travel. 

What To Know

The U.S. embassy warns that most crimes against foreigners in Mauritius are opportunistic and typically involve petty theft, pickpocketing, and purse snatching. These incidents often happen in crowded outdoor shopping areas, beaches, tourist hot spots, and near ATMs. More serious offenses, such as break-ins, assaults, verbal harassment, and crimes targeting solo women travelers, have also been reported.

People still wishing to travel to Mauritius, located east of Madagascar, are urged to:

• Avoid physically resisting a robbery attempt
• Use extra caution at night, especially when walking or driving
• Not display their wealth and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches
• Only answer the door at their hotel or place of residence if they know who the visitor is
• Remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially when visiting banks, ATMs, and popular tourist sites
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important updates from the Embassy. This will also help the Embassy contact them—or their emergency contact—if there is an emergency situation 
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and make sure it covers emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and medical care costs

What People Are Saying

In its official Level 2 advisory warning, the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis said: “Petty crime occurs in crowded outdoor shopping areas, beaches, and other tourist spots. It also happens near ATMs. Other serious crimes in Mauritius include: Break-ins, violent crimes (serious assaults, murder, rape), verbal harassment, and other crimes towards women traveling alone.”

What Happens Next

The U.S. travel advisory remains subject to change as new information becomes available, and travelers should consult the most current official sources before departure.